The proposed Fife Council budget has been published by the Administration, and this has been welcomed by Fife Liberal Democrat leader Councillor James Calder who has been in discussion with the Administration in the past few weeks. Liberal Democrat priorities contained within the budget include:

• £500,000 for Education Psychologists which will help support mental wellbeing for pupils and tackle school violence
• Commitment to over £1,000,000 to help tackle effects of flooding and coastal erosion
• £3,500,000 boost to road maintenance budgets
• £20,000 to ensure pedestrian access to recycling centres such as in St Andrews
• £250,000 to help with urgent repairs in Craigtoun Park

James Calder said,

The Liberal Democrats have been engaging with the Council Administration to ensure that this budget delivers for the people of Fife. I am pleased that they have listened to our requests and ensured they form part of the budget.

This means that we can help tackle the huge rise in school violence with more education psychologists to help tackle the root of the problem.

We can also ensure we take measures to deal with the effects of climate change when it comes to flooding.

Roads that have struggled with years of underinvestment in repairs now have the funds necessary to tackle this.

And we are ensuring that pedestrians can access recycling centres such as in St Andrews as well as taking protective measures in areas such as Craigtoun Park.

This budget shows the impact that Liberal Democrats continue to have locally in working hard for the people of Fife and I am pleased to support it.